As board certified pediatricians, we at La Peer Pediatrics continue to follow the extensively researched guidelines for immunizations put out by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Decades of global research have proven that vaccines are safe, effective and essential in keeping children safe from deadly infectious diseases.
- Extensive testing is required for every vaccine, and research shows that getting multiple vaccines at the same time is safe. There is no medical reason to delay or space out childhood immunizations.
- The current recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule helps protect children against approximately 20 different infections. Most of these infections used to be common and are now rarely seen. Combination vaccines, like MMR or DTaP, combine multiple vaccines into a single shot. Most vaccines require multiple shots (doses) over the course of months or years to ensure a strong immune response.
- Extensive research and testing to identify the ideal dose level, number of doses, and timing of doses is required for every vaccine.
- All vaccines contain antigens, which are small molecules that trigger an immune response in the body. These substances are found on bacteria and viruses and help teach the body to create an immune response to protect against infections and diseases.
- Babies and young children are exposed to about 2,000 to 6,000 immune-triggering substances, also called antigens, every day. The current entire pediatric immunization schedule exposes a child to about 165 antigens.
- Children’s bodies can handle multiple vaccines at once because their immune systems are in constant learning mode. Multiple vaccines in one shot don’t overwhelm a child’s immune system—they give it helpful practice.
- In childhood, the immune system develops by learning to “read” germs like books. Vaccines are like beginner books that help the immune system get ready to read.
- Most children following the recommended schedule will receive about 30 shots protecting against about 20 diseases by the time they turn 18, excluding annual vaccines like the flu shot.
- Studies have repeatedly found no credible link between life-saving childhood vaccines and autism. The original report claiming that the MMR vaccine causes autism was retracted due to fraudulent data, and the report’s author was sanctioned by scientific bodies and lost his license to practice medicine.
- With routine screening, autism can be identified early, when children benefit the most from interventions like speech or occupational therapy, individualized educational plans, and family support.
- Scientists are learning more about potential causes of autism all the time. One thing we know with certainty is that vaccines are not one of the causes. There is no single, root cause of autism. A combination of influences is likely involved. Certain genetic syndromes are associated with a higher likelihood of autism. In addition, some cases of autism may result from certain genetic changes interacting and affecting how cells function. Interactions between these genetic changes and environmental influences—such as premature birth, older parents, illness during pregnancy—also likely play a role.
The prevalence of autism has increased over time. Researchers and health care professionals who care for children with autism have explained this is likely due to multiple factors, including: people becoming more aware of autism, improved screening, and updated diagnostic criteria to include other conditions on the autism spectrum.
We are always happy to discuss any concerns that you may have. We hope that you trust our medical judgment and that our main goal is to keep your child safe and healthy. Therefore, it is our expectation that patients in our practice follow our guidance on vaccines.
For more information please visit the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s Vaccine Education Center:
Hepatitis B Vaccine Update
Dear La Peer Pediatrics families,
As you may have heard the CDC’s advisory committee on immunization practices issued a change in the recommendation for the Hepatitis B vaccine that is typically given to infants. They now state that babies should receive it based on individual decision-making with the healthcare provider.
Our recommendation that infants receive this vaccine routinely as they have for over 30 years has not changed. It is important to note that 90% of children who become infected with hepatitis B whether from their mother at birth or from other sources will become chronically infected which can lead to liver disease and liver cancer. Prenatal screening misses 15% of cases which is why it is important for newborns to receive this vaccine. Family members or other children can can pass this on to your child as they may not know they are infected, and this virus can live on surfaces for days.
People can become infected with hepatitis B through:
- Birth (if a pregnant person has hepatitis B, their baby can become infected)
- Sharing items such as razors or toothbrushes with an infected person
- Contact with the blood, open sores or saliva with traces of blood of an infected person
- Sex with an infected partner
- Exposure to blood from needlesticks or other sharp instruments. This can include equipment used for tattoos or piercings that were not properly sanitized.
- Most people with chronic hepatitis do not have symptoms, but the effects are serious. The disease can cause liver damage, liver cancer and death.
The good news is that most people who get vaccinated against hepatitis B are immune for life. The vaccine is over 95% effective at preventing this disease in children and adults. It is a vaccine with a long safety record.
Please trust our recommendation that infants receive this vaccine.